The Master Builder Part 29

The Master Builder Part 29

HILDA.


[Impatiently.] Why dont you do it, then?


SOLNESS.


[Shakes his head.] No, the people will not have it.


HILDA.


Fancy their not wanting it!


SOLNESS.


[More lightly.] But now I am building a new home for myself--just opposite here.


HILDA.


For yourself?


SOLNESS.


Yes. It is almost finished. And on that there is a tower.


HILDA.


A high tower?


SOLNESS.


Yes.


HILDA.


Very high?


SOLNESS.


No doubt people will say it is too high--too high for a dwelling-house.


HILDA.


Ill go out to look at that tower first thing to-morrow morning.


SOLNESS.


[Sits resting his cheek on his hand, and gazes at her.] Tell me, Miss w.a.n.gel--what is your name? Your Christian name, I mean.


HILDA.


Why, Hilda, of course.


SOLNESS.


[As before.] Hilda? Indeed?


HILDA.


Dont you remember that? You called me Hilda yourself--that day when you misbehaved.


SOLNESS.


Did I really.


HILDA.


But then you said "little Hilda"; and I didnt like that.


SOLNESS.


Oh, you didnt like that, Miss Hilda?


HILDA.


No, not at such a time as that. But--"Princess Hilda"--that will sound very well, I think.


SOLNESS.


Very well indeed. Princess Hilda of--of--what was to be the name of the kingdom?